The German television industry has produced some exceptional shows over the years. From drama to comedy, there’s something for everyone. Popular shows like ‘Babylon Berlin,’ ‘Dark,’ and ‘Deutschland 83’ have gained international recognition, but many other noteworthy series are worth watching. To help you navigate them all, we’ve compiled a list of the best German TV shows ever.
Regarding crime dramas, few countries do it better than Germany. Shows like ‘Tatort’ and ‘Counterpart’ are must-watch masterpieces that showcase the country’s filmmaking prowess. Those who prefer comedy can indulge in popular sitcoms like ‘Stromberg’ and ‘Pastewka.’ The latter has entertained viewers for over 15 years.
If you’re looking for a historical drama that explores Germany’s tumultuous past, check out ‘Unsere Mütter, unsere Väter’ or “Generation War.” The show illuminates poignant stories from World War II and its aftermath.
German TV shows have come a long way since they first aired in black-and-white during the early days of television production. They’ve become globally recognized for their quality storytelling and rich cultural heritage. And with a new generation of filmmakers breaking barriers and pushing boundaries every day, there is no doubt that the future outlook for German television looks bright.
Travel back in time with these historical German TV shows, because who says learning about the past can’t also be entertaining?
Historical German TV Shows
For those interested in the past, we present some informative details regarding German television shows highlighting historical events and people.
The table below enlists some of the most noteworthy historical German TV Shows along with the period, genre, and a brief description:
NameTime PeriodGenreBrief Description
Unsere Mütter, Unsere Väter 2013 Historical-drama
Depicts the hardships faced by five friends amid World War II
Generation War
2013
War-drama
Showcases the German army members’ struggles during WWII
Die Frauenzimmer
2006-2009
Drama Puts light on the lives of women in the 1950s
Along with the popular choices mentioned in the table, some lesser-known yet equally informative programs include “Charité,” a series that explores the medical history of Berlin’s famous hospital in the early 20th century, and “Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood,” which depicts the Bavarian beer industry’s initial years.
We invite you to explore the rich German historical culture by watching these TV shows and not miss out on an opportunity to learn about significant events and remarkable people that shaped Germany’s past. You know a TV show is iconic when it runs for over 34 years, and that’s exactly what The Lindenstraße did, making it a well-deserved staple in the best German TV shows of all time.
The Lindenstraße
Discover the Classic German TV series “The Lindenstraße”, a long-running drama that aired for over three decades. The series revolved around the stories of the residents of a fictional street in a suburb of Munich. In addition, they covered exciting social and political issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, migration, and religious diversity.
With its unique focus on everyday challenges, “The Lindenstraße” gained immense popularity throughout Germany and worldwide. It tackled important social issues sensitively and represented marginalized groups while addressing complex moral questions of contemporary society.
The show’s diverse cast, engaging plotlines, and thought-provoking themes made it an essential icon of German popular culture until it ended in 2020 after 34 seasons.
Although “The Lindenstraße” is now finished, its legacy continues to influence many contemporary German TV shows by encouraging them to represent different perspectives on mainstream media.
Keep exploring more historical German TV shows to learn more about rich traditions of Germany’s entertainment industry known for its quality content that attracts people worldwide.
Move over Sherlock, Tatort has been solving crimes in Germany since Watson was a twinkle in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s eye.
Tatort
Tatort, a German police procedural television series, first aired in 1970 and has since become culturally significant. The show’s plot follows a team of detectives who solve crimes in various parts of Germany. Notably, different cities have teams and storylines, making Tatort incredibly diverse.
Tatort stands out for its realistic portrayal of crime investigations and has earned critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of crime investigation techniques used by the police. The series has also tackled sensitive issues such as racism, politics, and socially relevant themes such as discrimination faced by immigrants in Germany.
Streaming platforms like Netflix offer several seasons of different teams available globally for enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the series’ rich storytelling. Adding subtitles or choosing dubbed versions makes it accessible globally while preserving the authenticity of the language used throughout the show.
Move over Sherlock, Derrick’s on the case- and he’s solving crimes so old they could have their episode on Antiques Roadshow.
Derrick
Featuring one of the most renowned German TV shows, Derrick ran for 281 episodes between 1974 and 1998. The show centers around a diligent Munich police inspector, Stephan Derrick, who abides by traditional values while investigating murders with his loyal assistant Harry Klein.
Derrick’s strait-laced personality contrasts against the dynamic psyche of criminals he chases down. Through storytelling that combines suspense with character drama, each episode leaves viewers enthralled long after it is over. This timeless detective series entertained audiences internationally and has become a staple in German television history.
The show’s popularity relied on its ability to keep homicide investigations engaging through fascinating character-driven subplots. Derrick often transcended the typical whodunit genre by telling thoughtful stories about the nature of humanity. By exploring social mores and their influence on crime, Derrick remains an iconic show today that showcases Germany’s cinematic style.
Did you know that Clint Eastwood was such an avid fan of “Derrick” that he sought to work with both actors in two separate films? Gerd Heymann played gunman Manuel Garcia in Eastwood’s “Firefox,” while Horst Tappert appeared as Baron von Steiger in “Escape from East Berlin.”
Move over Schwarzwaldklinik, these modern German TV shows are giving us more drama than a Berlin nightclub at 2am.
Modern German TV Shows
Paragraph 1: Nestled within Germany’s rich entertainment history, are groundbreaking television shows of the Modern era.
Paragraph 2 – Embark on a tour of Modern German TV Shows – Starting with „Dark”, a sci-fi thriller, leading to “Babylon Berlin”, a gripping crime drama, followed by “Barbaren”,a period piece, and culminating with “Deutschland 83”, a spy thriller. Finally, don’t miss the modern comedy classic, “Stromberg”.
Paragraph 3: The popularity of Modern German TV Shows can be credited to their unique approach to storytelling, ambitious production quality, and the captivating performances of its actors.
Paragraph 4: German actor Louis Hofmann, who played the lead role of Jonas in “Dark” shared that, while filming the third season, the crew had to shoot for 30 days straight without any break. He revealed that the cast had to do countless underwater scenes which were physically and emotionally challenging. Despite the difficulties, Hofmann credits the crew’s efforts and believes that the show’s success is largely due to the hard work of everyone involved.
German TV shows to binge-watch when you feel like a serial killer but don’t want to kill anyone.
Dark
German TV shows have made their mark globally with ‘Dark’, a gritty sci-fi thriller. The show takes place in a small town where the disappearance of two children leads to an inquiry that uncovers hidden secrets and links to time travel. The series has gained popularity due to its unique storyline, strong performances by the cast, and bountiful twists and turns that keep the audience engaged.
The cinematography is another highlight of ‘Dark,’ with stunning aerial shots of the forest and several locations around Germany. The ominous music score pairs perfectly with the eerie ambiance of the show.
One intriguing aspect of ‘Dark’ is its different timelines, often leaving viewers bewildered while piecing together details from past and future episodes. This avant-garde storytelling brings freshness to the genre, making it stand out.
For those who enjoy bleak premises, tense character dynamics and bending timelines, ‘Dark’ would make for an enthralling watch underlined by high anticipation.
Looks like Germany’s love affair with darkness continues with Babylon Berlin – a decadent blend of sex, violence, and politics that makes House of Cards look like a Disney movie.
Babylon Berlin
Babylon Berlin evokes the decadence and glamour of the 1920s Weimar Republic, showcasing the cultural and political transformations following World War I. Set in Berlin amid social unrest and inflation, this high-budget series depicts a sizzling crime drama involving a detective and his troubled personal life while navigating opulent cabarets, gang wars, and espionage. With stunning cinematography and art direction, Babylon Berlin is notable for its authentic representation of historical minutiae, exploring themes such as human nature, corruption, gender roles, censorship, and nationalism with incredible attention to detail.
Moreover, this historic thriller has garnered international attention due to its compelling plotlines and well-casted characters. Along with its charming dialogues and background music, it has instigated an old version feel among viewers. The series showcases how competitive the German film industry can be when producing high-quality TV shows that cater to a local audience within the German-speaking world and an international market seeking fresh perspectives.
While it received widespread critical acclaim for its first two seasons, capturing audiences’ attention worldwide due to its unexpected twists and top-notch production values; season three struggled silently due to Covid-19 pandemic1. However, despite delays during post-production tasks imposed by governmental lockdowns, the team successfully delivered a solid final product which didn’t disappoint its loyal audience base to date who are eagerly waiting for season 4.
1 Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/03/babylon-berlin-the-third-season-is-bleaker-than-ever
Who needs a pharmacy when you have the internet? How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) is the ultimate guide for aspiring drug dealers.
How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)
This German TV series, called ‘Rapid Online Narcotics Trade’, has become quite popular recently. It revolves around a high-school dropout turned online drug dealer who teams up with his best friend to create a multi-million dollar drug empire. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect from this show.
- Watch as Moritz Zimmerman discovers his untapped talent for coding and sets up an online shop selling drugs – all while hiding it from his mom.
- Follow as Zimmerman navigates the dangerous world of drug dealing, while falling in love with a fellow dealer.
- Experience the drama that ensues when things take an unexpected turn, and Zimmerman must fight to keep his business running.
- Brace yourself for the show’s twisted ending that explores the characters’ moral compasses in pursuing wealth.
While many may find the plotline unorthodox or unsavory, there’s no denying that it delves into themes surrounding morality, money, and power in today’s technology-driven society. With its finger firmly on the pulse of its audience and cultural context, How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) is truly a unique watch. As viewers tune in to more unconventional TV content like this one, we can only wait with bated breath to see what new territory these shows will explore next.
Prepare to laugh until you spätzi your lederhosen with these hilarious German comedy shows.
Comedy German TV Shows
Paragraph 1:
German TV Shows that bring laughter and humor in our lives are greatly admired. So, if you want some light entertainment, check out these recommendations.
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Some of the most entertaining and popular German TV Shows include:
- Stromberg – a mockumentary sitcom
- Pastewka – a comedic sitcom revolving around the life of a comedian
- Der Tatortreiniger – a comedy-drama series about a crime-scene cleaner
- Ladykracher – a sketch comedy show primarily featuring female comedians
- Knallerfrauen – a sketch comedy show starring Martina Hill
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These German TV Shows are hilarious and offer glimpses of everyday German culture and language. For instance, in Ladykracher, a sketch called “Im Restaurant” teaches viewers about German dining customs in a humorous way.
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According to DW News, German comedy TV Shows have gained international recognition and fans worldwide.
Stromberg may be a terrible boss, but watching him in action is a comedic masterpiece worth binging on.
Stromberg
Stromberg is a highly acclaimed German comedy TV show that revolves around the exploits of an incompetent and socially awkward boss. The show offers a unique perspective on daily work life in a corporate environment with a satirical edge that makes it all the more entertaining. It has become a cult classic since its debut airing in 2004, thanks to its humorous portrayal of personalities that are easy to relate to.
Stromberg’s success lies in its ability to capture the nuances of office politics while focusing on relatable, human-driven storylines. The character, Bernd Stromberg, played by actor Christoph Maria Herbst, is endearing yet pitiable as he stumbles through encounters and decisions, showcasing how one person’s incompetence can have a ripple effect throughout the workplace. The show has garnered critical acclaim for its excellent writing and performances, providing an insightful commentary on modern work life.
Notably, Stromberg is an adaptation of the British satire series The Office that takes place in a paper company set up. However, it has been modified to suit German audiences’ preferences and cultural nuances while maintaining the original’s cutting wit and hilarious plot points. Furthermore, the show has also spawned a feature film and numerous spin-offs set in alternative work environments.
Interestingly, despite being well-received overseas, Stromberg drew criticism from some viewers for perpetuating harmful stereotypes such as misogyny, racism and homophobia. However, as one of Germany’s most-watched comedies with several international awards under its belt including Grimme Awards (the German version of Emmy Awards), Stammbaumpräsentator (“Family Tree Presenter”) trophies – recognition only given to series broadcasted by mainstream channels – it remains as popular as ever.
Overall, Stromberg is undoubtedly one of Germany’s finest examples of quality comedy television drawing audiences from different backgrounds thanks to blending perfect comedic timing with satire. Why watch Friends for the 100th time when you can laugh at Pastewka’s misadventures in German?
Pastewka
A popular German comedy TV show, Pastewka follows the quirky and hilarious antics of a fictionalized version of comedian Bastian Pastewka. The show aired in 2005 and has become a fan favorite with its witty dialogue, absurd situations and fantastic cast performances. The ongoing series portrays the life of Bastian, his family and friends as they navigate through personal and professional challenges with plenty of laughs.
Pastewka’s success can be attributed to its unique brand of humor that resonates with audiences young and old. The show has spawned 10 seasons, with each episode delivering a perfect balance of biting sarcasm, silly jokes and cringe-inducing moments. With its distinctive charm and unforgettable characters like Hagen (Matthias Matschke) and Kim (Sonsee Neu), this German sitcom is not to be missed.
For instance, unknown to many, Pastewka was initially intended as an adaptation of Larry David’s acclaimed comedy show Curb Your Enthusiasm for German television before it evolved into its own thing.
Der Tatortreiniger proves that the only thing Germans take more seriously than cleaning is their love for dark comedy.
Der Tatortreiniger
Der Tatortreiniger is a popular comedy German TV show that features the unique job of a crime scene cleaner. The show follows the life of Heiko “Schotty” Schotte, who has the daunting task of cleaning up after horrendous crimes. Der Tatortreiniger presents a humorous and quirky perspective on death and its aftermath.
The series explores sensitive topics sophisticatedly, blending dark humor with social commentary. It imparts valuable insights into the psychological effects of death while avoiding emotional exploitation. Produced by NDR Fernsehen, Der Tatortreiniger stands out as one of the most exceptional TV shows in Germany’s comic genre.
Aside from its captivating plotline, what makes Der Tatortreiniger unique is the way it depicts everyday life’s complexities using crafty storytelling techniques. Its popularity is because it showcases cultural differences and shared values that make German humor stand out.
To experience this fantastic series yourself, give it a chance today! You won’t regret exploring the quirky world of Heiko “Schotty” Schotte! Get ready for some serious drama, because German TV knows how to bring the angst like wurst knows how to bring the flavor.
Deutscher Fernsehpreis – Sonderpreis Der Jury Für „Beste Information“ – Die Corona-Berichterstattung
Paragraph 1: German television has given us some of the most riveting and compelling dramas ever. From gritty crime thrillers to powerful character studies, the country’s TV landscape boasts a wealth of superb productions that have garnered critical and popular acclaim locally and internationally.
Paragraph 2: What sets German TV dramas apart is their unflinching and honest portrayal of complex characters that grapple with the most profound moral and ethical dilemmas. The storytelling is masterful, with intricate plots and deftly crafted narratives that keep us hooked from start to finish. In addition, German dramas are known for their meticulous attention to detail and stunning cinematography that captures both the gritty reality of life and the beauty that lies beneath.
Paragraph 3: It’s no surprise that German TV dramas have a loyal global following, with shows like “Babylon Berlin,” “Dark,” or “Deutschland 83” captivating audiences around the world. The diversity of themes and subjects covered in these dramas reflects the complexity and richness of the German society. Their universal appeal lies in the ability to offer insight into human nature and the struggles that come with it. German TV dramas have left a lasting legacy on the genre, inspiring countless imitators and cementing their status as some of the best dramas ever produced.
Paragraph 4: Despite a relatively late start compared to other countries, Germany’s television industry has enormously impacted the world of entertainment. The country’s turbulent history, with its scars of war and division, has provided a rich backdrop for stories that explore identity, trauma, and the human condition. German TV dramas are a testament to the resilience and creativity of a nation that has overcome considerable adversity to produce some of the most unforgettable TV shows ever. So gripping, you’ll forget it’s in German – unless you speak German, you’ll be constantly reminded.
nsere Mütter, unsere Väter
This German TV Show depicts the lives of five friends during the Second World War. ‘Our Mothers, Our Fathers’ portrays the struggles and emotions of young people who faced atrocities and challenges, testing their friendships and morality. Through impressive cinematography, this drama captures historical events in a personal way. The production received critical acclaim both in Germany and worldwide.
Deutschland 83: Spies, secrets, and a side of polyester – this Cold War drama will have you on the edge of your seat and questioning your loyalty to your own country.
Deutschland 83
Deutschland 83 is a captivating and intense German drama TV show set in the early 80s during the Cold War. It follows the story of weaver, Martin Rauch, who is reluctantly recruited by the East German Intelligence Service to spy in West Germany. The show highlights themes of espionage, loyalty and disloyalty, and the tension between East and West Germany. With its excellent storytelling, cinematography, and music score, Deutschland 83 has become one of Germany’s most successful international productions.
In addition to its gripping storyline, Deutschland 83 stands out for its attention to historical detail in recreating Germany’s political climate during that era. The show explores how people navigate their morals and loyalties during political turmoil. Furthermore, it offers a unique perspective on Cold War history from an East German point-of-view.
For those looking for a well-produced and thought-provoking drama series with an intriguing plotline set against a historical backdrop, Deutschland 83 is not to be missed.
Don’t miss out on this powerful drama that combines engaging storytelling with historical events. Tune in to Deutschland 83 today!
Bad Banks: where the only thing more volatile than the stock market is the drama between the power-hungry bankers.
Bad Banks
The gripping German drama, Bad Banks, delves into the world of high finance and follows the intense and cut-throat competition between investment bankers. The series portrays the tension-filled lives of those working for major banks, as they manipulate market trends to create a competitive edge. Using sleek cinematography and dynamic performances by its cast, Bad Banks offers an inside peek at the complex corporate workings of Frankfurt’s financial district. The show aptly depicts how greed, ambition, and egos drive high-stakes business deals in today’s cutthroat financial world.
A critical success upon release in 2018, Bad Banks showcases an exciting German industry that continues to captivate audiences across the globe.
Get ready to cancel all plans and binge-watch these German TV shows, because they’re more addictive than a pretzel dipped in chocolate.